At a Glance
- New mayor Zohran Mamdani will be sworn in on a Quran.
- He will be the first Muslim, South Asian and African-born mayor of NYC.
- The Quran used is centuries-old and part of the NYPL Schomburg Center collection.
- Why it matters: It highlights the diversity of NYC’s Muslim community and marks historic firsts.
NYC’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will be sworn in on a Quran, becoming the city’s first Muslim and South Asian leader. The ceremony highlights the Muslim community.
Historic Swearing-In
The midnight oath will take place in a long-closed subway station beneath City Hall, a departure from the usual Bible-sworn predecessors. Mamdani will place his hand on his grandfather’s Quran and a pocket-sized, centuries-old copy from the NYPL Schomburg Center. A later City Hall ceremony will use his grandfather’s and grandmother’s Qurans.
- Grandfather’s Quran – family heirloom, handwritten, 19th-century.
- Pocket-sized Quran – red binding, simple floral medallion, black and red ink.
- Grandmother’s Quran – details not yet disclosed.
| Quran | Source | Approx. Age | Current Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grandfather’s | Family | 19th-century | Inherited |
| Pocket-sized | NYPL Schomburg | Late 18th/early 19th | NYPL Collection |
| Grandmother’s | Family | Undisclosed | To be used |
The modest design of the pocket-sized Quran suggests it was meant for everyday use rather than ceremonial display.
Controversy and Support
Mamdani faced Islamophobic rhetoric during his campaign. In an emotional speech, he said:
> “I will not change who I am, how I eat, or the faith that I’m proud to call my own.”
The statement strengthened his resolve to be visible about his faith.
Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama posted on social media:
> “The enemy is inside the gates.”
The Council on American-Islamic Relations has labeled Tuberville an anti-Muslim extremist. In 2006, former congressman Keith Ellison faced similar backlash after using a Quran for his oath.
Legacy and Display
After the inauguration, the pocket-sized Quran will be displayed at the New York Public Library. Curator Hiba Abid hopes the attention will encourage visitors to explore the library’s Islamic collections. She said:
> “It’s a small Quran, but it brings together elements of faith and identity in New York City history.”
Key Takeaways
- Zohran Mamdani is NYC’s first Muslim, South Asian and African-born mayor.
- The oath will be taken on a centuries-old Quran from the NYPL Schomburg Center.
- The ceremony and subsequent display highlight the city’s diverse Muslim community.
The historic oath underscores the evolving diversity of New York City’s leadership.
